[Ann Bens]

Have Encore do the transcoding (set to automatic) and see how that turns out. Leave the optimize stills off.

Alas, only option is not to hit the pause button.

[Ann Bens]

There is a known bug concerning some transitions (one of them being cross dissolve)and stills. The wordaround is adding an opacity keyframe for the still involved. No tweeking needed. Maybe this will work for you to by adding an opacity keyframe on your footage involved. Just a shot in the dark.

[Ann Bens]

If the mpeg audio contains ac3 then install the ac3 filter codec.

[Ann Bens]

Its a Sony camera so use a Sony cleaning tape.

[Ann Bens]

Right click on clip in timeline and reveal in project.
Double click on this clip in the projec window and it will show up in the source monitor with the audio and with the last set in and out points. Now you can drag your audio into the timeline

[Ann Bens]

I am almost certain this is done in AE.

[Ann Bens]

Make sure you are in the right project settings: ntsc/pal dv standard or widescreen 48 kHz.

[Ann Bens]

With your machine i do not think that will be a problem.

[Ann Bens]

Cut your project up in smaller projects.
That will give Premiere some breathingspace.

[Ann Bens]

Stick to 4.0. until the next update, due very soon we all hope.